Local favourite Anders Engell cannot wait to lead the home challenge in today’s third round at the Norwegian Challenge after the Oslo man carded a three under par second round of 69 to move to within one shot of the lead as the second round wrapped up this morning.

After the rain delays on day one caused havoc with the timings, round two concluded on Saturday morning before round three teed off in the afternoon and the home crowds that turn out will have plenty to cheer about at Losby Golf Club, in Finstadjordet outside Oslo.

Engell hails from the nearby Norwegian capital and his home club of Gronmo Golf Club is just 25 minutes away so it’s no wonder he is relishing the opportunity to claim a maiden Challenge Tour victory in such circumstances.

“It’s really exciting for me, absolutely,” said the 24 year old. “I've never really been in this position on the Challenge Tour before but it’s not going to change anything. I'm still going to play my game and follow my game plan and see where it can take me.

“Obviously, it’s fun and there are a lot Norwegians out here cheering us all on so it’s a good experience for me. I’ve had a pretty rough year so far so it’s nice to do something good.”

Engell admits that he is a man who enjoys the pressure of the watching crowds but is keen not to get ahead of himself and even consider what would be a career-changing victory.

“It definitely gives me a boost having people watching,” he said. “I really enjoy playing in front of a crowd so it’s going to be amazing, I'm really looking forward to it.

“A good finish would mean a lot. I don’t have any invites left this season so a win or top ten would mean a lot to me but there is still a lot of golf left to play and there are a lot of good players.

“I need to just play my best and see where it takes me. I've been in this position in college and in some smaller events but never on the Challenge Tour, but it’s all just golf. You just have to do your thing and see how far you can get.”

Ross Kellet remained on top on ten under par after the second round concluded, while Benjamin Hebert’s two under 70 meant he joined Engell and Englishmen Phillip Archer and Jason Barnes on nine under par in tied second place.

Alvaro Velasco, meanwhile, carded a superb seven under par 65 to move to seven under, just three shots off the lead in a tournament which he almost won last year before missing out to Kristoffer Broberg in a play-off.